Best UK beaches & seaside towns for a bank holiday staycation

Published February 11, 2023 by Carsten

Seaside gems: UK's most charming beaches and coastal towns

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the UK's coastline. From hidden gem towns to iconic beaches, discover the best destinations for a bank holiday staycation that will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world again.

From peaceful Rhossili Bay in Wales to bustling St Ives in Cornwall — here's a guide to the best beaches in the UK and traditional seaside resorts. There is something for every taste and preference, and don't forget to bring your sense of adventure! Because who knows what hidden gems you will discover along the way.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk: Perfect for a peaceful staycation

Are you looking for a relaxing and scenic staycation this bank holiday? Look no further than Aldeburgh, the picturesque town on the Suffolk coast.

With its shingle beach, tranquil yacht pond, and charming Tudor architecture, Aldeburgh is a perfect destination for anyone seeking a peaceful escape.

Begin your day by the sea, admiring “Scallop”, the iconic scallop shell sculpture placed right on the beach. It celebrates Benjamin Britten and features an inscription taken from one of his operas.

Take a walk along the promenade and feel the sea breeze in your hair (when locals say that it's "blowy"). The beach is lovely, wide and awarded with a Blue Flag, but be warned: walking on the shingles can be a workout, so take it easy and enjoy the scenery.

For those seeking some landmarks, visit the RNLI lifeboat station opposite the Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall, or the Aldeburgh Beach Lookout where you can leave some words of wisdom on a pebble and post a picture of it on Insta (hashtag #aliveintheuniverse). Kids will love the Aldeburgh Yacht Pond, a small boating pond where they can float their boats and play.

The Aldeburgh coastline is home to a Yacht Club and a sailing club. Nearby, you can rent a Martello Tower, a quatrefoil fortification built in 1808-1812 to defend the coast against Napoleonic invasion.

Aldeburgh is also renowned for its seafood, and you won't want to miss the opportunity to try some fish pie, top-notch fish and chips or crab. Treat yourself to a delicious meal at local restaurants like the Regatta Restaurant or the Brudenell and enjoy the sea views.

For a bit of history, visit the Moot Hall, a beautiful Tudor building dating back to 1550. Nowadays, it serves both as museum and town hall.

In conclusion, Aldeburgh is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating bank holiday staycation. With its charming natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, you won't be disappointed. And the best part? Aldeburgh is only a 2.5-hour drive from London, making it the perfect quick getaway.

Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland: A castle and sand between your toes

Step back in time and bask in the beauty of Bamburgh Beach on your next UK staycation. This historic stretch of sand and sea is nestled within the enchanting Northumberland Coast AONB, making it the perfect destination for your next bank holiday escape.

Bamburgh Beach is an expansive sandy beach, surrounded by a low ridge of grass-covered dunes and backed by the magnificent Bamburgh Castle. This iconic fortress, with roots dating back to the Celtic period, has stood tall as an important administrative seat during the Viking Age and still dominates the wide beach today.

Take a stroll along the wind-swept beach, where you can feel the rush of sea air and admire the stunning views of the castle in the distance.

Bamburgh Dunes, part of the beach and recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) since 1995, offer a unique and pristine environment for nature enthusiasts to explore.

Don't just take our word for it, see for yourself with this incredible drone video flying over Bamburgh Beach and the castle. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this historic and picturesque seaside town.

Brighton Beach, East Sussex: The hippest city and a beach to die for

Brighton is a popular seaside resort on the south coast of England. With its rich history and proximity to London, Brighton has been a popular destination for both tourists and day-trippers for centuries.

Best known for its hip, progressive and fun-loving atmosphere, Brighton is a lively and diverse city rather than a quiet harbour town.

This charming seaside spot offers 5.4 miles (8.7 km) of shingle beach. The Brighton Central beach section has been awarded blue flag status for excellent water quality, besides being a clean and safe beach.

The old Victorian glamour of Brighton's beach front comes very much alive after dark with its bars and clubs, and the promenade has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with its cafés, restaurants, and bars.

Beach activities range from sailing, kite-surfing, volleyball, cycling, and beach tennis, making it a perfect destination for a fun-filled bank holiday staycation.

Clearly visible, not only from the beach, is "The British Airways i360", a remarkable feat of engineering. It's basically a steel tube of 162 metres, with a donut-shaped glass sphere going up and down ever so gently, bringing up to 200 passengers to a height of 138 metres.

Another of the most iconic landmarks on Brighton Beach is the Brighton Marine Palace and Pier, or "Palace Pier," which opened in 1899 and now offers restaurants, arcade halls, and deck chairs to watch the sunset.

With its pebbly beach, the piers, beach chairs, arcades, and fun fair rides, Brighton has a distinct seaside charm that makes it the perfect destination for a bank holiday break.

Margate Beach, Kent: Authentic sea-side regeneration

Margate is a town in southeast England, and has been a top spot for seaside recreation for at least 250 years.

Similar to many other British seaside resorts, Margate has had its ups and downs, particularly during the late 20th century and the Covid pandemic. However, despite the challenges it has faced, the town has shown resilience and determination to bounce back stronger than ever.

Nowadays, Margate is neither an idyllic seaside getaway nor overly kitsch. The proof that an authentic regeneration has picked up momentum can be found in the old town, which has a central square and winding streets populated with independent businesses, with some fresh new boutique hotels, cafés and restaurants opening up. That's why Margate is another great place to spend a bank holiday.

Margate is located 30 minutes drive from Canterbury and 1.5 to 2 hours by train from London. And the best thing: The beach, Margate Main Sands, is right at your doorstep as soon as you step out of the train station.

A beautiful, wide, sandy beach offers a large, tidal sea bathing pool, making it safe for swimming or paddling with your kids.

Aside from the beach, there's much more to explore in Margate.

Take a stroll along the promenade towards the small harbour, where you'll find the statue of the shell lady of Margate. Another must-visit: the Shell Grotto, a unique tourist attraction with over four million shells covering 200 m² of underground walls and roofs in profuse patterns. This peculiar subterranean oddity was discovered in 1835. Due to the mystery surrounding this underground marvel, we are still looking forward to discovering the fascinating story of its builders and purpose.

If you're an art lover, the Turner Contemporary gallery is a must-see. For some indoor fun, shopping and food, the Old Kent Indoor Market offers a variety of shops and stalls.

Dreamland, a 100-year-old brick building and amusement park, is another iconic attraction in Margate. Specializing in vintage fairground attractions, Dreamland is a great place for a fun-filled day out.

With its beautiful beach, unique attractions, and fun activities, you're guaranteed to have a fantastic time. So, consider adding Margate to your list of destinations this bank holiday season.

Discover Porthcurno beach and bay, Cornwall: A tropical paradise

Nestled in the rugged, granite cliffs of Cornwall, Porthcurno is a hidden gem of a seaside resort. With its crystal-clear waters, pristine sands, and breathtaking views, Porthcurno is a world away from the busy, commercialized seaside towns of the UK.

But despite its idyllic setting, Porthcurno is far from sleepy. The town is home to a thriving artistic community, with a renowned, open-air Minack Theatre and an international cable museum that celebrates the area's history as a hub of global communications.

One of the best ways to experience Porthcurno is by taking to the water. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the turquoise waters of the bay, or join a guided coastal walk along the cliffs. Back on shore, sample the local cuisine at one of the town's many seafood restaurants, or treat yourself to a pint at the local pub and watch the sunset over the ocean.

What sets Porthcurno apart, however, is its sense of tranquility. Despite its popularity with tourists, the town retains a peaceful, almost dreamlike atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing family holiday or a romantic getaway. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Porthcurno is a place you won't soon forget.

In high season, between May and September, a lifeguard is on duty on Porthcurno beach due to a strong current.

Curious? Have a look at this lovely video of Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall.

Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula, Wales: Where the sea meets the sky

Rhossili Bay, located on the Gower Peninsula in Wales, is a truly unique beach that was selected as a “Traveller's Choice” by TripAdvisor users in 2022.

Tucked away on the windswept coast of Gower Peninsula lies the idyllic seaside resort of Rhossili Bay. With its sprawling expanse of golden sand, shimmering waters, and rugged cliffs, this serene haven whispers tales of a bygone era.

As you wander along the beach, the cries of gulls and the sound of the waves gently lapping the shore provide a symphony to accompany the breathtaking views. This is a place where time stands still, where the only thing that matters is the rhythm of the sea and the endless horizon.

The beach at Rhossili Bay is about 3 miles (ca. 5 km) wide and framed by two rocky headlands at either end, creating a breathtaking and picturesque scene. The beach is pristine and tidy and enormous once the tide goes out.

At low tide, you can see the remains of the 19-century shipwreck, the Helvetia, making it a popular photo opportunity. If you are in a more adventurous mood, you can cross over to Worm's Head, a rocky headland in the shape of a sea serpent. It's accessible for only 2.5 hours either side of low tide. Beware: You should definitely return in time by to avoid becoming stuck!

For those seeking adventure, Rhossili Bay offers a world of opportunities. Hiking the cliffs, windsurfing, or exploring the nearby caves and coves by kayak are just a few of the many activities on offer. Whether you're seeking solace or stimulation, this serene haven is sure to satisfy.

And when the day is done, retire to one of the local inns or pubs and savor the warm hospitality and delectable local cuisine. With its simple, unspoiled charm, Rhossili Bay is a place where one can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and rediscover the beauty of the natural world.

Be warned: Accessing Rhossili Bay can be a bit of a challenge, as the beach is only accessible by relatively steep slopes. However, the stunning views and the extensive beach are well worth the effort.

Parking is available in the National Trust car park on the cliff top, which is free only for members. From the car park, you can take the footpath along the clifftops down to the beach. There is also a café and a pub with a nice outside seating area with views over the sea.

Rhossili Bay is a great destination for families, kids, and anyone looking for a beautiful and peaceful day at the beach. It's also a great place for surfing and kiting, when the conditions are perfect for these activities.

St Ives, Cornwall: 5 stunning beaches & a warm welcome

St Ives, with its winding cobbled streets, art galleries, and quaint fishermen's cottages, has long been a haven for artists and visitors alike. Situated on the rugged Cornish coastline, this seaside town is a feast for the senses, with its sparkling turquoise waters, golden sands, and rolling hills that seem to go on forever.

Take a walk along the South West Coast Path and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the coast and the sea. Stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants along the way, and savor the local cuisine and the fresh sea air.

The town is also home to a thriving arts scene, with galleries showcasing the work of local artists and artisans. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and you'll find everything from paintings and sculptures to hand-crafted jewelry and pottery. And if you're feeling adventurous, join one of the many surf schools that offer lessons for all levels, from beginner to pro.

St Ives is a place that's both wild and refined, a place where the sea and the land come together in perfect harmony. Whether you're here for a day or a week, you'll leave feeling refreshed and re-inspired, ready to face the world with new eyes.

With 5 beautiful beaches, St Ives is a great choice for a UK bank holiday staycation.

One of the best things about St Ives is that each of its beaches has its own unique character, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for you.

If you're a surfer, you'll love Porthmeor Beach, with its deep stretch of sandy beach and clear waters that are perfect for catching some waves. This beautiful blue flag beach is located in the heart of the town, near the Tate St Ives building,  and is a must-visit for anyone looking for a great day at the beach.

Porthmeor Beach car park offers space for around 50 cars right above the beach, making it easy to get to. From there, you can walk down to the beach in just a few minutes and start enjoying the sun and sea. You also won't have to go far to grab a drink or a bite to eat, since there are plenty of facilities and cafés nearby.

Porthgwidden Beach is located between the Harbour and Porthmeor Beach, and it's great for families, with its calm sea and sheltered location.

There's a large car park, a beach hut hire, drinks & snack kiosks, and a beach BBQ in the main summer months. It also has wonderful cafés and restaurant, All in all, it's a great place for swimming, bathing, rock pooling and surfing.

Bamaluz Beach is a tiny but cosy patch of sand that's perfect for a quiet day by the sea.

For a more lively experience, head to Harbour Beach, which is located along the sea front and has plenty of bars and restaurants. Once you're there, you'll find the city centre and harbour area dotted with beautiful boutique stores and cafés, and you can spend the day exploring all that St Ives has to offer.

Porthminster Beach is another one of St Ives' blue flag beaches. It's also the easternmost beach and sheltered from the wind. Calm waters make it perfect for swimming or kayaking.

Parking space can be an issue during peak season.

If you can't find a parking spot in the city centre, try Trenwith Long Stay Car Park. It's a great option for the physically fit, as it offers 759 spaces in summer on top of a hill above St Ives.

But beware: You'll have to walk down (and up again) a steep hill for about 5 minutes to reach the city centre, but it's well worth it.

In conclusion, St Ives is a bustling, small, seaside town with plenty of stunning beaches to choose from. Whether you're looking for a surf, a family day out, or a peaceful escape, St Ives has it all, and you're sure to fall in love with its special, beating heart and warm, welcoming people. So, why not book a bank holiday staycation in St Ives today and see for yourself what makes this town so special?

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